There’s no way around it—when founders need funding, they need it fast.

There are many reasons founders talk themselves out of asking for more money to grow a business. Not only can it be intimidating to ask others for money, some founders struggle with appearing greedy or are uncomfortable with the idea of taking on debt. But don't rule out additional funding just yet. Even if you're making a profit and are happy with your company’s growth, funding can simply make your life as a founder easier. 

For instance, additional funding will help you:

• Grow faster than bootstrapping, a.k.a. using your own money to build your business.
• Invest in equipment and technology to optimize your production processes, make your team more efficient, and scale product output.
• Invest in innovative projects, marketing, research, and product development—or allow you to hire top-level agencies and freelancers to perfect your marketing.
• Meet seasonal cash flow demands like when you need inventory for BCFM. 
• Get ahead with stock forecasting.
  

How fast can I get business funding?

How fast you can access funding really depends on what provider you work with. Some businesses have processes that are quick and easy to complete. Certain providers can even give you funding in around 48 hours or less, while others have more formal processes, similar to a bank’s. The turnaround time for applying for funding and receiving an offer depends on how much risk the lender is willing to take on. Alternative funding, or non-bank funding, often requires the lender to take on the lion’s share of the losses, the opposite of a bank loan. 

Lenders with a longer process typically require you to give up some form of equity in your business, sign a personal guarantee or will perform a credit check of your financial history. 

Clearco, on the other hand, doesn’t require equity, personal guarantees, or a detailed credit check. We want to empower founders to maintain full ownership of the businesses they worked so hard to create. 

3 steps to fast, fair business funding 

Step 1: Connect your accounts online

To get started, you just need to connect your relevant business accounts to Clearco’s online platform. Once connected, we’ll look at information like your sales data and advertising spend. Based on this information, we’ll provide you with a funding offer within 48 hours or less.

Providing Clearco with this kind of data allows us to objectively look at your business performance rather than your personal credit history. This takes the bias out of investing, unlike other forms of financing. Our method has allowed us to fund 4X more female-lead businesses than traditional VC capital.

We are committed to helping founders win; however we can't fund everyone just yet. If you’ve applied and didn’t receive funding, keep an eye on this space as we're always developing new financial products to serve founders at every stage of business. 

Which businesses are more likely to receive fast funding?

In general, online businesses like e-commerce retailers have an easier time applying for online funding. This is because they tend to have online sales and expense data easily accessible for review. Customers of online businesses are more likely to make online payments, so e-tailers can track cash flow all in one place. This helps alternative lenders access money in and money out for a fair assessment of how your business is really performing.

When a founder applies for Clearco funding, we look at key performance data (KPIs) and project how profitable your company will be. Founders can then access cash advances without paying high-interest rates or administration fees.

Step 2: Work with an Investment Analyst